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“We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves, or more deeply engrossed in anything, than when we are at play.”
That’s a bold claim by Psychologist Charles Schaefer, but we think he’s onto something! Here are some things we’d love you to take away from this article:
Perhaps you’ve noticed a toddler sitting in the grass, fully immersed in the experience of studying the texture and colour (and probably the taste!) of the leaves and the dirt. Squeezing, crunching, digging and sharing newfound treasures with you – these are big moments as neural pathways are created and physical dexterity grows!
The concept of play is crucial in the world of early childhood education, whether that’s in the home or at a childcare centre. As we better understand the developmental milestones of children, it becomes evident that play is not just a leisure activity but a vital educational tool that aids in a child's holistic development.
At our My World daycare centres, this understanding informs our approach towards child care and early learning. We love to incorporate lots of play into our daily routine and encourage you to do the same!
Let’s dive deeper into why this is and look at the benefits of play for your child’s development.
Play is the language of children. It is through play that they understand the world around them, learn to communicate with others, and develop essential skills. From the first moment a baby reaches out to grab a toy, they are exploring and interacting with their environment, laying the groundwork for cognitive, physical, emotional, and social development.
Each stage of play, from solitary play in infancy to more complex group play in preschool years, serves a purpose in a child's development. It's through these early interactions that children begin to learn about themselves and their place in the world.
The relationship between play and cognitive development is profound. As they play, children learn to problem-solve, think critically, and develop understanding and knowledge of what’s happening around them. Playful experiences provide the foundations for academic skills such as mathematics, literacy, and science. For instance, when children play with blocks, they are not just building towers; they are learning about numbers, shapes, balance, and spatial relationships.
Imaginative play fosters language development and storytelling skills. As children create and narrate their own stories during pretend play, they develop their vocabulary and an understanding of narrative structures. Studies tell us that all of this is important for developing the skills that are needed for growing in literacy and communication, laying the groundwork for successful schooling and beyond.
Social and emotional development is another area significantly impacted by play. Through interactions with peers and adults in play settings, children learn about respect, empathy, and understanding. They develop the ability to recognise and manage their own emotions, as well as respond appropriately to the emotions of others. These early experiences with emotional regulation and social interaction are critical for building healthy relationships and navigating social situations throughout life.
Play also offers children opportunities to experiment with different roles and perspectives, further enhancing their social understanding and empathy. Whether they are pretending to be a teacher, a superhero, or a parent, they are exploring different social roles and learning to see the world from various viewpoints. This role-playing is not only fun but helps them develop a well-rounded social awareness.
Play time can also provide a safe environment for children to express their emotions and work through conflicts. In these situations, they learn to negotiate, share, and cooperate, developing the skills necessary for teamwork and collaboration. These experiences are invaluable in teaching children how to resolve conflicts, make friends, and work together towards common goals.
Play also encourages children to set goals and persevere towards achieving them. Whether it's completing a puzzle or learning to use a skipping rope, the challenges faced during play teach children about effort, persistence, and the satisfaction of accomplishment. These experiences build a growth mindset, an invaluable attribute that influences their approach to learning and facing the inevitable challenges of life.
The inclusion of play in early childhood education brings with it a multitude of benefits. Firstly, it enhances children's learning experiences by making them more engaging and enjoyable. When children are interested and having fun, they are more likely to be attentive and absorb new information.
For example, a simple activity like a treasure hunt can be designed to teach children about numbers, colours, and problem-solving. Similarly, story time can be made interactive, with children acting out stories or creating their own endings, promoting comprehension skills as well as creativity. By thoughtfully designing play activities that incorporate learning objectives, educators can ensure that children are gaining the knowledge and skills they need in a way that feels like play.
By associating learning with fun and enjoyment from a young age, children are more likely to develop a lifelong love for learning. This positive attitude is crucial for their ongoing educational journey, encouraging them to embrace new challenges and opportunities for growth.
Play can take many forms, each with its unique benefits for a child's development. Solitary play, for example, is crucial in the early stages of a child's life. It allows them to explore their environment and learn about cause and effect through individual exploration.
As children grow, they begin to engage in parallel play, playing alongside others without direct interaction, which helps them observe and learn from their peers.
Associative play introduces the concept of shared activities without a formal organisation, fostering communication skills and socialisation.
Cooperative play, typically seen in older preschoolers, involves children playing together towards a common goal or following set rules. This type of play is essential for teaching children about teamwork, leadership, and collective problem-solving.
Physical play, including running, jumping, and climbing, is vital for developing motor skills, coordination, and overall physical health.
Creative play, such as drawing, music, and pretend play, nurtures imagination, emotional expression, and cognitive flexibility.
Finally, structured play, guided by adults, provides children with learning objectives and outcomes, helping them acquire specific skills and knowledge.
Each type of play contributes uniquely to a child's development, making it important to provide children with a variety of play experiences. By engaging in these different forms, children can develop a well-rounded set of skills and attributes that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Consider this your permission to go outside and play! Make the most of the classroom of life and remember that when you play with your little ones, it can be a pathway to all kinds of growth opportunities and new skills and abilities.
We know parents want to find the best daycare facilities in their area – we’d love to connect with you and give you a tour of one of our My World centres. Our My World child care centres champion the Reggio Emilia approach to play-based learning – you can read all about that here!
FAQ: Is My World Child Care near me? Our family-owned centres are available throughout Perth, Western Australia. Find us in Armadale, Seville Grove, Midvale, Waikiki, Rockingham.
